There is not much more that can be written about the Old Course in Ballybunion but we feel we must try!


The town of Ballybunion is located on North County Kerry, very close to Shannon Airport. It is a seaside town and the golf course came to prominence internationally in 1970 when an article written by Herbert Warren Wind (one of America’s top golf writers at the time) described Ballybunion as being one of the ten best courses in the world. This accolade opened the flood gates and the American golfing public have taken Ballybunion to their hearts since,often insisting on playing the course when they travel to Ireland. As a result demand for tee-times is immense so we do advise that you book early to avoid disappointment.

The Old Course like so many links courses is not long by modern standards and so it relies on the elements and natural terrain to defend itself from improvements in modern club and ball technology. The first hole is a nice introduction and doesn’t test the golfer too much. The main talking point is that you drive off alongside a graveyard (we will resist the obvious pun here!) and aim to land your ball about 95 yards from the green, leaving yourself a nice punched wedge to the middle of the green. The next hole is index 1 and we would have to agree with that. Its a par 4 measuring 394 off the white. The difficulty lies in the approach to the green and the elevation at which the green lies. If you walk off the green with a 5 you’ll be doing well.





The course develops nicely from here and I think the back nine is where you really get to see the true Ballybunion golf experience. My favourite holes are the Par 5 13th, reachable in 2 for long hitters and the 17th, a Par 4 both with magnificent elevated vistas of the estuary and dunes surrouding the course.


The Cashen Course was developed in the late 1970′s and it was first opened to the public in 1982. It is Ballybunions second course and derives its name from the River Cashen. Robert Trent Jones Senior was the designer and you can see his work very clearly – it truly is a very clever design. You tee off from the opposiste side of the clubhouse to the Old Course and you’ll walk some of the most fantastic links land in Ireland. Some commentators feel that the Cashen course is a more rounded test of golf and in some instances is a more difficult proposition. The only way to make uo your mind is to play the two – Irish Golf Vacations can organise for double rounds to be played at special rates; Contact us now to book your round at the Old Course and Cashen Course.


The facilities at Ballybunion are excellent with a driving range, full caddy service, pro-shop and food and drink available. We would encourage you to mark Ballybunion down as a must play on your Irish Golf Vacation.


You can contact us to discuss Ballybunion further